In 1780, 900 volumes of old English plays were given to the Museum by Garrick. In 1786, numerous classics from the library of Thomas Tyrwhitt, and a collection of ceremonials, processions, and heraldry from Mrs. Sophia Sarah Banks was added. These gifts were supplemented in 1818, two years later, by the library of Sir Joseph Banks, consisting of about 16,000 volumes, particularly rich in scientific journals, transactions of societies, and books on natural history, but which were not actually transferred to the Museum till 1827. A collection of Italian history and topography from Sir Richard Colt-Hoare, Bart., was presented in 1825. This gentleman printed only twelve copies of the catalogue of his books, and wrote on the fly-leaf of the copy which accompanied the presentation, “Anxious to follow the liberal example of our gracious monarch, George IV.; of Sir George Beaumont, Bart., of Richard Payne-Knight, Esq. (though in a very humble degree), I do give unto the British Museum THIS my collection of topography, made during a residence of five years abroad, and hoping that the more modern publications may be added to it hereafter, A.D. 1825. RICHARD COLT-HOARE. This catalogue contains 1,733 articles.” The valuable library of the Rev. Clayton Mordaunt Cracherode, consisting of 4,500 volumes, came into the possession of the Museum in 1799; and lastly, in 1835, Major-General Hardwicke bequeathed to the Trustees the deficient works on natural history which formed part of his library, and which caused an accession of 300 volumes. Parliament also evinced its interest in the library, and gave instructions for the following purchases:— Mr. Francis Hargrave, an eminent barrister, had formed an important collection of law books, which was purchased in 1813 for _£8,000_, having been valued by a bookseller at _£2,247. 8s_. Dr. Burney’s library was likewise purchased in 1818, and was estimated at the value of _9,000_ guineas. It contained a remarkable collection of Greek classics, besides 700 volumes of newspapers, &c., &c. In 1769 a sum of _£7,000_ was paid for Major Edwards’ library, and in 1804 the sum of _£150_ was applied to the purchase of a collection of Bibles belonging to Mr. Combe. In 1807 classical works, with MS. notes by Dr. Bentley, were also obtained by purchase. _£1,000_ were spent in 1812 in the purchase of works on English history and topography, and in 1815 books on music, belonging to Dr. Burney, were acquired for the sum of _£253_. In the course of the same year a collection of books, portraits, minerals, &c., belonging to Baron Moll, of Munich, became national property for the consideration of _£4,777. 17s. 5d._, and in 1818, the Ginguené collection, consisting of 1,675 articles, chiefly on Italian literature, besides 2,686 articles in Greek, Latin, French, &c., &c., &c., became another addition for _£1,000_.